- David Warner arrived at SCG in style for Big Bash on Friday
- A helicopter chartered from the NSW Hunter Valley
- His Sydney Thunder were defeated by fierce rivals, the Sixers
Australian cricketer David Warner has always been a box office entertainer but his rock star appearance with a chartered helicopter at the SCG on Friday proved in vain as his Sydney Thunder were outclassed in the Big Bash.
It is also understood that Cricket Australia and the Thunder will split the $5000 bill – despite the 37-year-old suggesting ahead of the match that he would open his wallet and pay for the 45-minute flight himself.
Warner made a mad dash from his brother’s wedding in the NSW Hunter Valley, arriving at the SCG a few hours before the first ball of the Sydney derby against the Sixers.
The script did not go to plan for the recently retired Test opener, with the men in magenta winning by 19 runs to seal a place in the Big Bash semi-final.
The defeat also officially ended Thunder’s campaign, with veteran Sixers off-spinner Steve O’Keefe providing the difference.
David Warner and wife Candice at the star cricketer’s brother’s wedding in the NSW Hunter Valley on Friday
The couple later arrived at the SCG in rockstar fashion by chartered helicopter ahead of the Sydney derby at the Big Bash on Friday night.
The $5000 flight – reportedly paid for by Cricket Australia and the Thunder – proved in vain as the Sixers won by 19 runs (Warner is pictured, after his dismissal)
Sixers veteran Steve O’Keefe turned the match on its head, scoring 3-13 from four overs – including the key wicket of Warner
As the Thunder were cruising at 0-44 from four overs chasing 152 for victory, an upset appeared on the cards.
O’Keefe – in his last Big Bash campaign – was introduced in the fifth over by skipper Moises Henriques and he delivered, taking two wickets in six balls.
The left-arm tweaker later sealed the match after a frustrated Warner was caught in the outfield by Jordan Silk for 37 off 39 balls as ‘SOK’ scored 3-13 from his four overs.
It followed Warner’s exuberant pre-match arrival, which generated plenty of attention – and never missed an opportunity, the Sixers joked about the situation on social media.
In contrast, they posted an image on social media of all-rounder Sean Abbott arriving at the scene on a rental bike.
“No helicopter, no worries,” it said online.
Abbott also took the opportunity to tease his former international teammate, calling Warner ‘a bit Hollywood’.
Warner did score a small victory with his cheerful banter involving close friend Steve Smith, prior to the first ball a highlight for many cricket fans.
Smith was sensationally dismissed for a golden duck as the debate continues over whether he will be a success at the top of the order for Australia at Test level.